Why Pokemon’s Normal Types Are a Cut Above Palworld’s Neutral Element

When it comes to Palworld and Pokemon, there are obviously plenty of similarities to point out. One of the biggest things they share in common is that their creatures have typings that significantly impact combat. Pokemon and Palworld have a list of almost identical elements, with the difference being that each has its own unique strengths and weaknesses, depending on the game. While the two seem balanced in this area, one typing from Pocketpair’s creation has a clear disadvantage. If one were to compare it to Pokemon’s Normal types, as the two pretty much share the same role, the neutral element Pals of Palworld have many more downs than ups, leading to them becoming an option that’s often ignored or disregarded.

Since Palworld’s release on January 19 2024, the game has made it clear that each of its elements is weak and strong against one other type, with fire being the exception as it’s effective against two. However, this does not apply to the Neutral typing, as it has no advantage over the rest and is, unfortunately, prey to Dark types. This means that it could very well be the worst element in the game, given that it has almost nothing going for it. This is further emphasized when comparing it to Pokemon’s Normal types, as even they have several distinct uses and quirks that make them a viable option for play.

Why Palworld’s Neutral Element Is Lacking When Compared to Pokemon’s Normal Types

When looking at the chart of Palworld’s short list of elements, it’s easy to see why Neutral Pals are considered by a good number of players as the least desirable option for combat. When put together side by side with Pokemon’s Normal types, there are several things that immediately stand out as underwhelming:

While Pokemon’s Normal types aren’t strong against a particular type either, they are at least immune to attacks of one other typing, something Neutral Pals cannot claim.

Neutral Pals have to rely on having access to powerful and diverse moves to be viable, while Normal-type Pokemon can pose a threat through their presence and even by using simple attacks.

Some of the weaker Normal-type Pokemon can evolve to gain a second typing and help them stand against strong competition, while Neutral Pals have no hope of gaining a similar advantage during their growth.

These are the reasons that many feel the worst Pals in Palworld belong to the Neutral type, and it’s hard to argue against this being the case. The element will need to undergo serious changes if it wants to be as viable as Pokemon’s Normal types, and hopefully, Pocketpair provides them.

How Pocketpair Can Change Neutral Pals To Make Them More Viable as Combat Partners

Palworld’s elemental type chart may show that Neutral Pals are in the worst situation when compared to the rest, but there is something Pocketpair can do to fix that. Much like those of Pokemon’s normal types, some of them can be given a secondary typing, allowing them to have an advantage against certain matchups rather than not having any at all. This is something that the Neutral Pals lack, and them having it could help ensure that they’re not just used as base workers and become actual party members. Such a change could also lead to a shift in the combat meta due to the potential strength gained from the changes, incentivizing people to continue playing.

With Pocketpair’s roadmap for Palworld leaving room for additional changes, there is a chance that one of the ways it plans to improve the game involves a rework of some Pals, and hopefully, that means the Neutral element will be overhauled. The element is in dire need of modifications if is meant to be as good as or better than Pokemon’s Normal types, but only time will tell if it ever gets them.